Please join us for an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides. On Wednesday, May 4, at 6 pm KLRU and the LBJ Library will host a preview of the powerful documentary Freedom Riders followed by a conversation with civil rights leader Julian Bond. The event is free but an RSVP is required. RSVP here

On May 4, 1961, the first Freedom Riders left Washington, D. C., bound for New Orleans. These courageous men and women rode buses through the South to challenge local laws or customs that enforced segregation. They demanded unrestricted access to terminal restaurants and waiting rooms. Along their journey, some were arrested, some were beaten, and buses were burned. Their bravery in the face of bitter racism awakened the nation’s conscience.

Bond, who is featured in the documentary, was the Communications Director for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee at the time of the Freedom Rides. Later, Bond served in the Georgia House and Senate and as Chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

On May 9, the LBJ Library will open an exhibit Freedom Riders which details the sacrifices of the Freedom Riders during six months in 1961. On May 16, KLRU will air the entire 2-hour documentary Freedom Riders.